The joy in her words was there for all to read. Chemmy Alcott announced on Facebook her joy in finishing her first two races after nearly two races since her crash in Lake Louise. It has been a long road back for Alcott, painful physically and mentally but one thing has never wavered and that is her determination to come back from the potentially career ending injuries to her ankle. Alcott finished eighth and ninth in two Super G's in Copper Mountain on 14th November. While the Swiss racers may have captured the top step of the podium (Lara Gut in the first race and Fabienne Suter in the second, for Alcott it was all about getting the race legs before the World Cup speed season kicks off in Lake Louise in ten days.
Alcott benefited from the early starts in both races, courtesy of her Super G points from two years ago yet still put some good World Cup racers behind her and her times were very competitive. She scored two results that suggest good things are still possible for her: Two results in the low 20's in not to be sniffed at!
Alcott told the world how happy she was on Facebook: "Today is a happy day. I am back to where I belong, doing what i love to do. I didn't win but with a big world cup field coming 8th is something to smile about. Sorry I didn't tell you guys I was racing but i didn't want the pressure. Racing for the first time in almost 2 years felt glorious thanks for all the support!"
First race results (from Fis-ski.com)
Second race results (from Fis-ski.com)